Watch Becoming Chaz

Becoming Chaz is a 2011 American documentary film directed by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. The film follows the gender transition of Chaz Bono, the only child of Sonny Bono and Cher, from a woman to a man. The movie also highlights Chaz's relationships with his girlfriend, Jennifer Elia, and his mother, Cher. The documentary opens with clips from Chaz's childhood, including his early appearances on The Sonny and Cher Show. It then fast forwards to 2008, when Chaz made the decision to undergo male-to-female gender reassignment surgery. Throughout the film, we see Chaz's journey to become the man he feels he was always meant to be.

Becoming Chaz includes interviews with Chaz, Jennifer, and Cher, as well as with Chaz's doctors and other transgender individuals. The film does an excellent job of explaining the physical, mental, and emotional tolls of gender reassignment surgery. Chaz shares that the surgery was the most difficult thing he's ever done, but also one of the most rewarding.

The documentary also explores Chaz's complicated relationship with his mother. While Cher was always supportive of Chaz's decision to transition, she struggled to come to terms with the loss of her daughter. We see Cher struggle with using the correct pronouns and name for her child, and she admits that it's difficult to let go of her old identity. However, Cher's love for her child ultimately shines through, as we see her attend Chaz's surgery and support him throughout his transition.

Becoming Chaz also shines a light on the broader struggles that transgender individuals face. Through interviews with other trans individuals, we see the prejudice, discrimination, and violence that they often face in their everyday lives. Chaz acknowledges that he is privileged as a white, wealthy trans individual, and that many others face even greater hardships.

Overall, Becoming Chaz is a powerful and emotionally resonant film that provides a glimpse into the life of a trans person. The movie showcases the highs and lows of Chaz's transition, and provides a poignant commentary on the struggles that many transgender individuals face. Through the lens of Chaz's journey, we see the importance of love, support, and acceptance, both from oneself and from others.

Becoming Chaz is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.